Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I know the Taoiseach will not answer the question but I am asking him anyway if he is turning his thoughts to the early nomination of a Commissioner to represent the country, assuming a satisfactory conclusion is reached and the people of the country endorse the Lisbon treaty whenever they are asked, be it the back end of next year or another time.

Is it intended that the Government will participate in the €200 billion economic stimulus plan presented by the President of the European Commission, Mr. José Manuel Barroso? This is clearly a costly but important exercise. We are all aware of the European position and if Europe does not lead on all this alternative recyclable green agenda, it will be difficult to get other countries to follow suit. Has the Government decided to participate in the Barroso plan and teased out the cost and strategy implications for Ireland?

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